Anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article with high lobe resiliency

ABSTRACT

An anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article having a front end portion and a rear end portion and a periphery, and comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a multiplayer backsheet joined to said topsheet and an absorbent core intermediate the backsheet and the topsheet. The anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article has lobes provided by the topsheet and the backsheet extending beyond the absorbent core and has a reduced tendency to form folds in the lobes during the use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles.Disposable absorbent articles are considered to be absorbent devicesdesigned to be worn externally of the body by a user and to receivefluids discharged from the body. In particular the present inventionrelates to disposable absorbent pantiliners, sanitary napkins,catamenials, and incontinence inserts, that are anatomically shaped andexhibit an increased ability to recover their original substantiallyflat configuration after folding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In their basic form, disposable absorbent articles comprise an absorbentcore interposed between a pervious body-contacting element(alternatively referred to as a topsheet or an overwrap) and animpervious protective barrier (alternatively referred to as abacksheet). The absorbent element is, of course, intended to receive andcontain the fluids discharged from the body. The body-contacting elementis intended to provide comfortable and dry-feeling contact with bodysurfaces while allowing free passage of fluids therethrough into theabsorbent element. The protective barrier is intended to prevent thefluids which are expelled or which escape from the absorbent elementfrom soiling the user's garments.

Disposable absorbent articles are usually intended to be applied to thepanty, and typically fixed to it by an adhesive, before wearing thepanty with the applied absorbent article. The shape of disposableabsorbent articles, as seen in plan view, has developed from atraditional, substantially rectangular shape to anatomical shapes havingwidths that are not constant along the length of the article and thatare intended to cover additional body area as compared to a traditionalrectangular product having a width corresponding to the minimum width ofa shaped article. Anatomically shaped articles provide a better comfortfor the user owing to their shape that better conforms to the user'sanatomy, and that at the same time more closely follow the shape andcontours of the panty in the crotch region, where the articles areapplied, so ensuring an increased protection for the garment.

Most common anatomical shapes for disposable absorbent articles arethose in which the article has a minimum width in its central portion,and is larger in its front and/or in its rear portion. The portions ofthe article that extend laterally in the front and/or in the rear endportion beyond this minimum width allow the absorbent articlelongitudinal edges to better match the contour of the panty in thecrotch zone.

Such anatomically shaped disposable absorbent articles usually have anabsorbent core with rectilinear, parallel longitudinal edges. Thetopsheet and the backsheet extend beyond the absorbent core in theportions of the absorbent article that are wider than the minimum width,and here they form lobes or ears of the article.

Disposable absorbent articles are typically applied to the user'sgarment in a substantially flat configuration, by “substantially flat”being meant substantially void of folds or wrinkles. During the use thearticle deforms and bends under the forces exerted by the user's bodyand by the garment, and a certain degree of deformation is indeedaccepted and preferred, since it causes the absorbent article to conformto the wearer's body, therefore providing a better comfort andprotection.

A disadvantage that has been experienced with anatomically shapeddisposable absorbent articles comprising lobes or ears is due to thepossible folding of the lobes during the use, which can cause theformation of permanent folds, generally resulting in a reduction of theuseful surface of the article itself. The amount of the folding canrange from few degrees, relative to the initial, substantially flatconfiguration, to the complete folding of a portion of a lobe, or alsoof the entire lobe, over or down the product. Various types of folds arepossible, such as for example C-, Z-, S-, or W-shaped folds. Occurrenceof such folding in the lobes of anatomically shaped absorbent articlescan in fact be promoted by the longitudinal edges of the absorbent corein that they could constitute a sort of line of preferential folding forthe lobes, since the article has, along these edges, a change inthickness and therefore in stiffness and resiliency. Moreover, the lowoverall thickness of the article can make it easier a complete foldingof the lobes over or under the article itself.

This problem is less evident in traditional anatomically shapeddisposable absorbent articles, where the intrinsic resiliency of thematerials constituting the lobes can avoid, at least to a certainextent, the formation of permanent folds, even after a certain degree offolding has taken place, e.g. by helping the unfolding of the foldedportions.

However, the problem of the formation of permanent folds in the lobeshas become more evident in anatomically shaped disposable absorbentarticles provided with improved backsheets comprising at least twolayers laminated or otherwise joined together to make a unitarystructure having specific properties.

Multilayer backsheets that are particularly preferred in disposableabsorbent articles are those providing breathability.

The provision of breathable products has been considered a means forproviding consumer comfort benefits in absorbent articles. Breathabilityhas typically concentrated on the incorporation of so called “breathablebacksheets” in the absorbent articles. Breathable backsheets are watervapour permeable, preferably air permeable, allowing gaseous exchangewith the environment. This thereby allows for the evaporation of aportion of the fluid stored in the core and increases the circulation ofair within the absorbent article. The latter is particularly beneficialas it reduces the sticky feeling experienced by many wearers during use,commonly associated with the presence of an apertured formed film orfilm like topsheet, particularly over extended periods of time. This isa result of topsheets designed to achieve a clean and dry appearance.These topsheets tend to be smooth thereby minimising the build up offluid on the surface of the topsheet. However, these benefits areachieved at the expense of comfort, particularly under hot and humidconditions, when due to their smooth surface texture they tend to becomesticky to the skin.

However, the main drawback associated with the use of breathablebacksheets in absorbent articles is the negative effect on theprotection level performance, by leakage known as wet through onto theusers garment. Although, breathable backsheets in principle only allowthe transfer of materials in the gaseous state, physical mechanisms suchas extrusion, diffusion and capillary action may still occur and resultin the transfer of the fluids from the absorbent core through thebacksheet and onto the users garments. In particular, these mechanismsbecome more dominant if the product is utilised during physicalexertion, or for heavy discharge loads or over extended periods of time.Thus, whilst the incorporation of breathable backsheets in absorbentarticles is highly desirable from a comfort standpoint, since theprimary role of a backsheet still remains the prevention of liquidleakage, it is necessary that such breathable backsheets are also fluidimpervious in order to avoid the risk of wet through.

Dual layer breathable backsheets as those described e.g. inInternational Patent Applications WO 96/14037, WO 97/24095, WO 97/24096and in European Patent Application EP 96830343.8 are particularlyeffective in providing both breathability and fluid imperviousnessagainst the risk of wet through. They are particularly suitable forincorporation in thin products such as pantiliners or thin sanitarynapkins. Preferred structures for such dual layer breathable backsheetsusually comprise a gas permeable apertured tridimensional polymericfilm, typically as the inner layer, i.e. closer to the absorbent core,adhered or in any case associated to an outer layer constituted by a gaspermeable fibrous fabric layer, or, alternatively, by a gas permeablemicroporous polymeric layer.

Such dual layer backsheets have shown a very good behaviour in terms ofbreathability and wet through control, and constitute a structure thatis still thin and flexible but, owing to its relative complexity, isless resilient and may increase the possibility of the formation ofpermanent folds in the lobes in anatomically shaped breathable productsduring the use. The tridimensional structure of the aperturedtridimensional polymeric film for example can crush during folding andthis may induce the formation of permanent or quasi permanent folds inthe lobes of the shaped sanitary article during the use.

Disadvantages of the lobe folding with formation of permanent folds inthe anatomically shaped disposable absorbent articles are mainly due tothe decrease in the product absorbing and protecting performance causedby the reduction of the effectively useful surface area of the product,and also to the negative perception of the product quality andperformance by the user when she becomes aware, usually at the time sheremoves the article from the garment, that the article itself has lost,to a certain extent, its initial optimal configuration. Folded lobes canmoreover induce a comfort issue for the user during use of the article,since they constitute zones where the article is thicker and possiblystiffer.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide ananatomically shaped disposable absorbent article having a reducedtendency to form permanent folds in the lobes during the use, i.e.,having a better ability to recover the initial unfolded configurationafter folding.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such anarticle with a reduced tendency to form permanent folds in the lobes,which is moreover breathable.

It has in fact been discovered that by controlling the joining betweenthe superimposed layers that constitute the shaped disposable absorbentarticle in the lobe area it is possible to reduce the tendency of theshaped article to form permanent folds in the lobes during the use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a shaped disposable absorbent articlehaving a front end portion and a rear end portion, and a periphery. Theshaped disposable absorbent article is constituted by superimposedlayers comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet comprising atleast two layers, and being joined to said topsheet at least along theperiphery, and an absorbent core intermediate the topsheet and thebacksheet, and has at least one lobe in at least one of the front endportion or rear end portion, the lobe being provided inside theperiphery by the topsheet and the backsheet in a region where thetopsheet and the backsheet extend beyond the absorbent core. The shapeddisposable absorbent article has a joining ratio in the at least onelobe defined as the ratio having as the numerator the number ofsuperimposed layers being directly joined to at least an adjacent layerin the at least one lobe other than along the periphery, and as thedenominator the total number of the superimposed layers in the at leastone lobe. The joining ratio has a value that is lower than or equal to0.5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that thepresent invention will be better understood from the followingdescription in conjunction with the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pantiliner according to the presentinvention, seen from the side thereof that faces the wearer in use;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pantiliner of FIG. 1 on line2—2;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a backsheet comprised inthe pantiliner of the present invention, taken along line 2—2 of FIG. 1

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to anatomically shaped disposable absorbentarticles for application to the user's body, which exhibit absorbencyfor bodily fluids, the protection of the user's garments from soiling,and improved physical comfort to the user.

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to devices whichabsorb and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers todevices which are placed against or in proximity to the body of thewearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from thebody. The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbentarticles which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored orreused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discardedafter a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted orotherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner). Apreferred embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention isthe pantiliner 20 shown in FIG. 1. As used herein, the terms“pantiliner”, and “sanitary napkin” refer to absorbent articlesgenerally worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region that areintended to absorb and contain the various exudates which are dischargedfrom the body (e.g., vaginal discharges, blood, menses, and urine). Thepresent invention, however, is not limited to the particular types orconfigurations of absorbent articles shown in the drawings. It should beunderstood that the present invention is also applicable to otheranatomically shaped disposable absorbent articles such as incontinentpads, and the like.

The term “use”, as used herein, refers to the period of time that startswhen the absorbent article is actually put in contact with the anatomyof the user.

The terms “joined”, “affixed” or “secured”, as used herein, encompassesconfigurations whereby a first member is directly connected to a secondmember and configurations whereby a first member is indirectly connectedto a second member by connecting the first member to intermediatemembers which in turn are connected to the second member.

As used herein, the term “pudendal” refers to the externally visiblefemale genitalia and is limited to the labia majora, the labia minora,the clitoris, and the vestibule.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pantiliner 20 comprises an absorbentmeans represented by main body portion 22. The main body portion 22 haslongitudinal edges 24 and lateral edges 26, together constituting theperiphery 28. The term “longitudinal”, as used herein, refers to a line,axis or direction in the plane of the pantiliner 20 that is generallyaligned with (e.g., approximately parallel to) a vertical plane whichbisects a standing wearer into left and right body halves when thepantiliner 20 is worn. The term “lateral” as used herein, refers to aline, axis or direction which lies within the plane of the pantiliner 20that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The terms “front” and “rear”, as used herein, refer to portions or edgesin the sanitary napkin 20 that are oriented towards the front and rearpart of the wearer's body, respectively, when the sanitary napkin 20 isbeing worn.

The main body portion 22 has a front end portion 10 and a rear endportion 12. The pantiliner 20 has concave longitudinal edges 24 to fitto the contour of the wearers panty, and therefore it is larger in bothits front and rear end portions 10 and 12. In the embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 1 the pantiliner 20 is symmetrical bothin longitudinal and in lateral direction, and therefore the front endportion 10 has substantially the same structure and shape as the rearend portion 12.

The main body portion 22 comprises a topsheet 30, a multilayer backsheet50, and an absorbent core 60. The main body portion 22 also preferablycomprises a nonwoven secondary layer 40.

The topsheet 30 is liquid permeable and when the pantiliner 20 is inuse, the topsheet 30 is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating tothe user's skin. The topsheet 30 has a central zone 32 and a pair of endzones 34. The end zones 34 extend laterally from and are contiguous withthe central zone 32.

The topsheet 30 comprises a nonwoven outer layer 70 and an aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80. The nonwoven outer layer 70 is liquidpermeable and has an opening 72 positioned in the central zone 32. Theopening 72 is provided in the nonwoven outer layer 70 as a passagewayfor body exudates to be deposited directly onto the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80 to take advantage of its superior fluidhandling properties so that fluid will rapidly pass into the absorbentcore. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven outer layer 70 comprisestwo strips 74, 76. The two strips 74, 76 of the nonwoven outer layer 70are spaced apart on top of the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 sothat the spaced region between the two strips 74, 76 forms the opening72. In this particular embodiment, each strip 74, 76 has approximatelyparallel inner edges 74 a, 76 a being separated apart from the lateraledge 26 to the other lateral edge 26 whereby the opening 72 has asubstantially rectangular shape elongated in the longitudinal direction.

So long as the opening 72 in the center (longitudinally) of the centralzone 32 is sufficiently large to permit the flow of body fluids intendedto be absorbed by the core, these longitudinal ends of the central zone32 can be covered with the nonwoven outer layer 70 or a separate layer(not shown).

The nonwoven outer layer 70 extends laterally into the seam 29 aroundthe periphery 28 of the main body portion 22. In the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the seam 29 joins together the nonwovenouter layer 70, the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80, the nonwovensecondary layer 40 and the multilayer backsheet 50 by a known securementmeans, e.g. by crimping, glueing, thermobonding, or any combinationthereof. The preferred pantiliner 20 has concave longitudinal edges 24to fit to the contour of the wearers panty. In a preferred embodiment,the nonwoven outer layer 70 has a width of at least about 1.5 mm in bothend zones at the narrowest portion and about at least 7-10 mm at thewidest portion.

The width of the opening will depend upon the intended use of thearticle. For low-flow pantiliners the width of the opening is greaterthan about 5 mm, preferably about 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably greaterthan about 20 mm. For heavier-flow sanitary napkins, the width of theopening is more than about 10 mm, preferably about 20-60 mm, morepreferably about 40 mm. The ratio of the width of the opening 72 to thetotal lateral width of the main body portion can vary based on the totalwidth of the nonwoven outer layer 70, and of course it can also varyalong the length of an anatomically shaped absorbent article such as thepantiliner 20 of the present invention. The ratio is preferably fromabout 4:1 to about 1:4, more preferably from about 2:1 to 1:2. It hasbeen found that such shapes and area for the opening 72 is desirablefrom a product performance, process, and aesthetics standpoint. However,other shapes and various areas are possible in the design of the opening72. For example, each strip 74, 76 can have a non-parallel inner edge,or can meet at or inward from either or both longitudinal edges 26 todefine a circular opening. So long as the opening 72 is sufficientlylarge to permit passage of most of the fluids deposited onto thetopsheet in the opening to pass, the particular arrangement orconfiguration of the opening is not critical.

The nonwoven outer layer 70 is preferably secured in at least partialcontacting relation with the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80. Thenonwoven outer layer 70 can be maintained in contact with the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80 by fusion bonding, adhesive attachment ofthe layers, or by any other securement means. The bonding of thenonwoven outer layer 70 to the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 canprevent the nonwoven outer layer from being torn or from rolling backonto itself at edges 74 a, 76 a, thereby importing an uncomfortablefeeling. Fusion bonding includes heat bonding, ultrasonic bonding, andthe like. Heat bonding is the preferred means for securing the nonwovenouter layer 70 and the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 incontacting relation. The two layers can be continuously, partially, orintermittently bonded together. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwovenouter layer 70 and the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 arespot-bonded at a plurality of positions along the inner edge 74 a, 76 aof each strip 74, 76 with heat bonds 78. The heat bonds 78 provide anembossed seal pattern that can also convey an aesthetic effect in itspattern design such as a flower, a leaf, and so on.

The nonwoven outer layer 70 provides softness in the end zones of thetopsheet in order to eliminate any problems of a sticky, sweaty feelingfor the user as well as a member that can efficiently handle any liquidsdeposited onto the end zones. The nonwoven outer layer 70 comprises anonwoven web having excellent flexibility, compliance and fluidacquisition. A suitable material for use as the nonwoven outer layer 70of the topsheet comprises mixtures of polyethylene (the melting point ofwhich is at a relatively low temperature), polypropylene, and/orpolyester, known in the art as a “bi-component web”. A layer adjacent toone surface of the nonwoven web comprises mainly bicomponent fibres(preferably 50/50 by weight) of polyethylene and polypropylene. A layeradjacent to the other surface comprises mainly bicomponent fibres (alsopreferably 50/50 by weight) of polyethylene and polyester. Nonwoven webscomprising fibres containing polyethylene are particularly suitable foruse in the present invention because they can be readily fusion bonded.The fusion bonding between the nonwoven web and the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80 are performed by melting of the polyethylenein the fibres. Both of the above layers contain the polyethylene in thefibres so that either layer can be arranged to face toward the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80 for fusion bonding. Preferably, the layer ofthe nonwoven web comprising the bi-component fibres of polyethylene andpolyester is arranged to face toward the apertured thermoplastic filmlayer 80. In this preferred arrangement, the layer of the nonwoven webcomprising the bi-component fibres of polyethylene and polypropylene isarranged to face to the wearer, and provides superior flexibilitycompliance and soft feeling because of the character of thepolypropylene. Further, the layer of the nonwoven web comprising thebi-component fibres of polyethylene and polyester perform a cushioningfunction. Exemplary nonwoven webs which can be used as the nonwovenouter layer 70 are available from Pantex, Italy, under the designationTB-B-23. The nonwoven outer layer can also have a plane surface orembossed pattern, as designed by the manufacture of the article. Anytype of suitable non bi-component webs can also be used as the nonwovenouter layer 70.

The apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 is liquid permeable andpositioned beneath the nonwoven outer layer 70 and nearer to theabsorbent core 60. The apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 and thenonwoven outer layer both overlay the end zones 34. Further, theapertured thermoplastic film layer 80 is exposed through the rectangularopening 72 of the nonwoven outer layer 70 in the central zone 32 fromthe lateral edge 26 to the other lateral edge 26. While the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80 need not extend to the lateral orlongitudinal edges of the main body portion, in a preferred embodimentas shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80extends laterally and longitudinally outward and forms a portion of thelongitudinal edges 24 and lateral edges 26 or the periphery 28.

Formed films are preferred for the apertured thermoplastic film layerbecause they are pervious to liquids and yet non-absorbent. Thus, thesurface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dryand is more comfortable to the wearer. Suitable formed films for theapertured thermoplastic film are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135,entitled “Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries”, issued toThompson on Dec. 30, 1975, U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,426, entitled “DisposableAbsorbent Article Having A Stain-Resistant Topsheet”, issued to Mullaneand Smith on Apr. 13, 1982, U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314, entitled “ResilientPlastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties”, which issued to Radel andThompson on Aug. 3, 1982, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, entitled“Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web ExhibitingNon-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression”, issued toAhr, Louis, Mullane, and Ouellette on Jul. 31, 1984. A formed film whichhas been found to be satisfactory is manufactured by TredegarIndustries, Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. under the designation X3265, andmarketed as “Dri-Weave” on sanitary napkins produced by The Procter &Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, atleast a portion of the outer surface (body-facing surface) 80 a of theapertured thermoplastic film layer 80 is treated with a surfactant. Itis preferred that the surfactant be substantially evenly and completelydistributed at least in the central zone 32 of the outer surface 80 a ofthe apertured thermoplastic film layer 80. This can be accomplished byany of the common techniques well known to those skilled in the art. Forexample, the surfactant can be applied to the apertured thermoplasticfilm layer 80 by spraying, by padding, or by the use of transfer rolls.Treating the outer surface 80 a of the apertured thermoplastic filmlayer 80 with a surfactant renders the surface of the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80 more hydrophilic. This results in liquidpenetrating the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 faster than itwould if the surface were not so treated. This diminishes the likelihoodthat body fluids will flow off the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80rather than being absorbed by the absorbent core 60.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an additional nonwoven secondarylayer 40 is positioned between the absorbent core 60 and the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80. The nonwoven secondary layer 40 prevents“bunching′”, that is, twisting of pantiliner per se, or of the absorbentcore in the crotch portion which twisting can cause leakage of bodyexudates, and provides additional softness at the periphery 28 of themain body portion. The inner surface 80 b of the apertured thermoplasticfilm layer 80 is preferably secured in contacting relation with thenonwoven secondary layer 40 by means of e.g. an adhesive layer 81. Thiscontacting relationship results in liquid penetrating the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80 faster than if the apertured thermoplasticlayer 80 were not in contact with the nonwoven secondary layer 40. Theapertured thermoplastic film layer 80 can be maintained in contact withthe nonwoven secondary layer 40 by, for example, heat sealing asdescribed herein above, or by applying adhesive to the inner surface 80b of the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80. Preferably, thecontacting relationship is applied by the same type of securement meansas that between the nonwoven outer layer 70 and the aperturedthermoplastic layer 80, more preferably, the same spot-bonding and heatsealing.

The nonwoven secondary layer 40 is liquid permeable and positionedbetween the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 and the absorbent core60. In one particular embodiment, the nonwoven secondary layer 40 isextended laterally and longitudinally outward and forms a portion of thelongitudinal edges 24 and lateral edges 26 of the periphery 28. Thematerial of the nonwoven secondary layer 40 can be the same as thenonwoven outer layer 70. Preferably, the surface of the nonwoven webcomprising the mixture of polyethylene and polyester fibres is arrangedto face towards the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 for securementby fusion bonding in a contact relationship. In this particularembodiment, the surface 40b of the nonwoven secondary layer 40 facingthe absorbent core 60 is secured in contacting relation with theabsorbent core 60. The contacting relationship can be achieved by thesame securement means described above for maintaining the contactingrelationship between the apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 and thenonwoven secondary layer 40. Preferably, the contacting relationship isachieved by applying an adhesive 41 to face between the nonwovensecondary layer 40 and the absorbent core 60. Suitable adhesives usefulfor this purpose are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,697. The adhesivescan be applied by the same methods as described above for the surfactantapplied to the outer surface 80 a of the apertured thermoplastic filmlayer 80. The absorbent core 60 can be secured to the nonwoven secondarylayer 40 by a uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive,or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. Anexemplary adhesive is manufactured by Findley Adhesives Company ofWauwatosa, Wis. and designated as H-2128. The securement means betweenthe apertured thermoplastic film layer 80 and the nonwoven secondarylayer 40 will preferably comprise an open pattern network of filamentsof adhesive as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 entitled“Disposable Waste Containment Garment”, issued to Minetola and Tucker onMar. 4, 1986. An exemplary securement means of an open pattern networkof filaments comprises several lines of adhesive filaments swirled intoa spiral pattern such as is illustrated by the apparatus and methodsshown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173 issued to Sprague, Jr. on Oct. 7, 1975;U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker, et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; andU.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666 issued to Werenicz on Jun. 27, 1989.

The absorbent core 60 is positioned between the topsheet 30 and themultilayer backsheet 50. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the absorbent core 60 has rectilinearlongitudinal edges 66 parallel to one another, and has a width that isslightly narrower than the minimum width of the pantiliner 20, so thatthe seam 29 along the periphery 28 of the pantiliner 20, where thetopsheet 30, the multilayer backsheet 50, and the nonwoven secondarylayer 40 are joined together, does not comprise anywhere the absorbentcore 60. The pantiliner 20 has two lobes 82 in the front end portion 10and two lobes 84 in the rear end portion 12, which correspond to theregions of the pantiliner 20, comprised inside the periphery 28, whereat least the topsheet 30 and the multilayer backsheet 50 and, in theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, also the nonwoven secondarylayer 40, extend beyond the longitudinal edges 66 of the absorbent core60.

The absorbent core 60 provides the means for absorbing body fluids. Theabsorbent core 60 need not have an absorbent capacity much greater thanthe total amount of body fluid anticipated to be absorbed. The totalabsorbent capacity of the absorbent core should usually be compatiblewith the design leading and the intended use of the absorbent article.Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core may bevaried to accommodate different uses. A pantiliner as that illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, will have generally smaller dimensions,and will comprise an absorbent core 60 with a lower absorbent capacity,as compared to a sanitary napkin. The absorbent core 60 is generallycompressible, conformable, and non-irritating to the user's skin. It cancomprise any material used in the art for such purpose. Examples includecomminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt, crepedcellulose wadding, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, synthetic staplefibres, polymeric fibres, hydrogel-forming polymer absorbent gellingmaterials, peat moss, or any equivalent material or combinations ofmaterials. An exemplary absorbent core is a tissue layer such as ismanufactured by Ft. Howard and designated as grade 882. The absorbentcore may also have a layer of absorbent gelling material, such as in theform of particles, disposed between two air-laid tissue layers (or“upper” and “lower” tissue layers). The first and second tissue layersprovide containment of the absorbent gelling material, improved lateralwicking of the absorbed exudates throughout the absorbent core, and adegree of absorbency. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as theabsorbent core of the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,950,264 entitled “Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin” issued to Osborn onAug. 21, 1990; U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678 entitled “High-Density AbsorbentStructures” issued to Weisman et al. on Sept. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No.4,834,735 entitled “High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower Densityand Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones”, issued to Alemany et al. onMay 30, 1989; and European Patent Application No. 0198 683, the Procter& Gamble Company, published Oct. 22, 1986 in the name of Duenk, et al.

Absorbent gelling materials mentioned above are those materials which,upon contact with fluids (i.e., liquids) such as water or body fluids,imbibe such fluids and thereby form hydrogels. In this manner, fluidsdischarged into the absorbent core 60 can be acquired and held by theabsorbent gelling materials, thereby providing the articles herein withenhanced absorbent capacity and/or improved fluid retention performance.Preferred absorbent gelling materials which are employed in theabsorbent core 60 will generally comprise particles of a substantiallywater-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, preferably neutralized,hydrogel-forming polymer material. The term “particles”, as used herein,can refer to particles in any form, such as in the form of pellets,flakes, or fibres. The characteristics of the absorbent core 60(including, but not limited to preferred types of polymer materials usedherein, and types of methods which can be used for preparing thesepolymer particles) are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No.5,009,653 issued to Osborn.

The absorbent article of the present invention may further comprise,e.g. in the absorbent core 60, an odour-control material for controllingunpleasant odours associated with absorbed body fluids.

Any known odour-control agent or any combination thereof that can besuitably included in a disposable absorbent article, including othermaterials such as binders and/or substrates, can be comprised in theabsorbent article of the present invention as the odour-controlmaterial.

The odour-control material can be incorporated into the absorbentarticle by methods known in the art, for example layered on or into theabsorbent core or mixed within the absorbent core. An exemplarylaminated absorbent core structure comprising a layer of absorbentgelling material and of dour control material is that manufactured byKorma, Italy, under the designation KO 040.02.003.

The absorbent articles according to the present invention comprise amultilayer backsheet 50 that is impervious to liquids (e.g. vaginaldischarges, menses, and/or urine) and is constituted by at least twodistinct layers laminated or otherwise joined together in order toprovide a backsheet structure having specific preferred properties. Amultilayer backsheet comprising for example a nonwoven layer laminatedto a polymeric film layer, with the nonwoven typically located on thegarment facing side of the backsheet, would provide a disposableabsorbent article with a more friendly and softer outer surface.

Multilayer backsheets that are particularly preferred in disposableabsorbent articles according to the present invention, such as thepantiliner 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, are those providingbreathability. Preferred multilayer breathable backsheets, moreparticularly dual layer breathable backsheets, are those described inInternational Patent Applications WO 97/24095, WO 97/24096 and inEuropean Patent Application EP 96830343.8.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pantiliner 20comprises a uni directional fluid transfer multilayer breathablebacksheet 50. The primary role of the backsheet is to prevent theextrudes absorbed and contained in the absorbent structure from wettingarticles that contact the absorbent product such as underpants, pants,pyjamas and undergarments. In addition however, the preferred multilayerbacksheet of the absorbent article of the present invention also permitsthe transfer of both vapour and air through it and thus allows thecirculation of air into and out of the backsheet.

The term “uni directional” as utilised herein refers to materials whichhave at least a substantially, if not complete, one directional fluidtransport in the direction of the core, according to the definition offluid directionality given in the above mentioned International PatentApplication WO 97/24095.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the multilayerbreathable backsheet 50, illustrated in more detail in FIG. 3,preferably comprises at least two layers; a first layer 52 comprising agas permeable apertured polymeric film and a second layer 54 comprisinga gas permeable microporous film, or alternatively, a gas permeablefibrous fabric layer. Suitable gas permeable layers can generallyinclude 2 dimensional, planar micro and macro-porous films,macroscopically expanded films, formed apertured films and monolithicfilms as those described in the above mentioned three European PatentApplications. Said first and second layers 52, 54 preferably have asimilar relative void volume. The first layer 52 is typically locatedadjacent to said core 60 and subsequent layers of the backsheet 50 aretypically located further away from said core 60. The backsheet 50 maycomprise additional layers. In all cases the outermost layer furthestaway from the core is the outer layer. All of the layers of thebacksheet 50 can be substantially in intimate and direct contact withone another.

The apertured first layer 52 of the backsheet 50 comprises a layerhaving discrete apertures 56 which extend beyond the horizontal plane ofthe garment facing surface of the layer towards the core thereby formingprotuberances 58. Each protuberance has an orifice located at itsterminating end. Preferably said protuberances have a funnel or conicalshape, similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135. Theapertures located within the plane of the layer and the orifices locatedat the terminating end of protuberance themselves maybe circular or noncircular. In any case the cross sectional dimension or area of theorifice at the termination of the protuberance is smaller than the crosssectional dimension or area of the aperture located within the plane ofthe layer. Preferably said apertured formed films are uni directionalsuch that they have at least substantially, if not complete onedirectional fluid transport towards the core. The first layer 52 of thebacksheet 50 typically has an open area of more than 5%, preferably from10% to 35% of the total film layer area, according to the definitiongiven in the above mentioned International Patent Application WO97/24095.

The first layer 52 of the backsheet 50 may be made of any material knownin the art, but is preferably manufactured from commonly availablepolymeric materials. A suitable apertured formed film include forexample the material manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of TerreHaute, Ind. under the designation S225MD25.

The second layer 54 of said multilayer backsheet 50 comprises a gaspermeable 2-dimensional, substantially planar apertured layer. As usedherein the term 2-dimensional substantially planar refers to layershaving a depth of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, whereinthe apertures are all within the plane of the layer. Thus, as usedherein the term 2-dimensional layer does not include apertured preformedfilms having apertures which protrude out of the plane of the layer.

According to the present invention the apertures in said 2 dimensionallayer may be of any configuration, but are preferably circular oroblong. The apertures may also be of varying dimensions. Typically, theapertures have average diameters of from 150 micrometers to 5micrometers, preferably from 120 micrometers to 5 micrometers, mostpreferably from 90 micrometers to 5 micrometers. Preferably the entiresurface of the 2 dimensional layer has apertures which are evenlydistributed throughout the entire surface area. However, layers havingonly certain regions of the surface area comprising apertures such asthe central portion or the peripheral portion are also possible.

The 2 dimensional apertured layer of the second layer 54 of thebacksheet 50 may be made of any material known in the art, but ispreferably manufactured from commonly available polymeric materials suchas polyethylene or polypropylene. Suitable microporous material includeXMP-1001 of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, St. Paul, Minn.,USA and XBF-100W or XBF112 available from Exxon Chemicals, Ill., USA.Suitable materials are for example Goretex (TM) or Sympatex (TM) typematerials well known in the art for there application in so-calledbreathable clothing. The apertured materials for use as a second layer54 in the backsheet 50 may be produced using any of the methods known inthe art such as described in EP 293 482 and the references therein. Inaddition the dimensions of the apertures produced by this method may beincreased by applying a force across the plane of the backsheet layer(i.e. stretching the layer).

The second layer 54 of the backsheet 50 incorporated in the pantiliner20 of the present invention can alternatively comprise an air permeablefibrous fabric layer composed of polymeric fibres such as polymericnonwovens known in the art. The fibrous fibre layer preferably has abasis weight of 10 to 100 g/m², more preferably 15 to 30 g/m². Thefibres can be made of any polymeric material, in particular, fibres ofpolyethylene, polypropylene, polyester polyacetate or combinationsthereof (inter- and intra fibre combinations) and also mixtures ofsynthetic fibres and non absorbent natural fibres or treated naturalfibres such as cotton may be utilised. The fibres are preferablyspunbonded, carded or melt blown. Preferably the second layer 54comprises a matrix of spunbonded fibres covered on one side withmeltblown fibres or alternatively a matrix of meltblown fibres coveredon both sides with spun blown fibres. The second layer 54 of thebacksheet 50 may in addition comprise at least 5% by weight of saidlayer of fibres which are liquid absorptive such that the fibres swelland reduce inter-fibre spacing.

The backsheet typically extends across the whole of the absorbentstructure.

The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core elements are joined togetherto provide the pantiliner 20 of the present invention. At least two,preferably all of the elements of the pantiliner 20 are joined.

Each of said elements comprising at least one layer has a body facingsurface and a garment facing surface. Typically, adjacent garment facingsurfaces form a common interface with the body facing surface of anadjacent element or layer. The elements or layers are joined togetheracross this common interface. In this manner the topsheet 30 is joinedto the absorbent core 60, as already explained, and comprising thesecondary nonwoven layer 40 therebetween, and the core 60 is joined tothe backsheet 50. Furthermore, each of said topsheet 30, backsheet 50and core 60 elements may comprise more than one layer and these layersmay also be similarly joined. In addition the topsheet 30 is directly orindirectly joined to the backsheet 50 at the periphery 28 of thepantiliner 20 by means of the seam 29.

The elements and layers thereof may be joined by any means known in theart for affixing two adjacent layers of material, such that the layersare directly attached to one another or directly attached to one anothervia the joining means. Suitable joining means include adhesive, fusionbonding, ultra sonic bonding, stitching, heat (e.g. crimping),embossing, and/or pressure bonds, or dynamic mechanical bonds. Accordingto an embodiment of the present invention the preferred means of joiningis adhesive. Suitable adhesives include non pressure sensitive and coldadhesives. The adhesive may be applied by any means known in the artsuch as spiral application, slot coating, spraying, spiral spraying,curtain coating, control coating and printing, provided that theadhesive does not substantially affect the breathability.

In the preferably breathable pantiliner 20 of the present invention, theinter element or inter layer joining adhesive is selected and applied soas to reduce any impact it may have on the effective breathability ofthe pantiliner. Since many commonly utilised adhesives are not vapourpermeable it is highly preferable to minimise the amount of adhesiveused to join the layers/elements of the absorbent article in order tominimise their impact on the permeability (breathability). One means ofachieving this is to use particular adhesive application methods such asopen adhesive application techniques, e.g. spiral spraying, wherebyareas of the common interface are adhesive free, whilst retaining therequired level of attachment/joining of the two adjacent layers orelements. The layers and elements should therefore be joined in such amanner so that the absorbent article product maintains structuralintegrity but no more. This method finds particular application for theinterlayer joining of the backsheet element layers and the joining ofthe backsheet element and the absorbent core element. In the embodimentof the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 an adhesive layer 61joins the absorbent core 60 to the first layer 52 of the dual layerbacksheet 50, and an adhesive layer 61 joins together the first layer 52and the second layer 54 of the dual layer backsheet 50. In general,adhesive layers constituted by an array of longitudinal separate linesor beads of adhesive are particularly preferred in the disposableabsorbent article of the present invention since they achieve a lowintegration between the elements forming the article, which minimizesthe impact on breathability and at the same time also provides for alower stiffness and a better resiliency of the whole article intransverse direction. Alternatively adhesives which are vapour permeablemay be used.

Preferably not more than 40%, more preferably less than 20%, mostpreferably less than 10% of the common interface of two adjacent layersor elements is joined. Furthermore, the density of the adhesive shouldbe reduced and a thin application of adhesive is preferred.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the absorbentarticle finds utility as a panty liner, the absorbent article is alsoprovided with a panty fastening means which provides means to attach thearticle to an undergarment. For example the panty fastening means maycomprise a mechanical fastener such as hook and loop fasteners such asmarketed under the tradename VELCRO, snaps or holders. Alternatively,the article is fastened to the undergarment by means of panty fasteningadhesive 90 on the backsheet 50. The panty fastening adhesive 90provides a means for securing the article to the panty and preferably ameans for securing the article when soiled, to the fold and wrap packagefor convenient disposal. Typically, at least a portion of the garmentfacing surface of the backsheet 50 is coated with adhesive to form thepanty fastening adhesive 90. Any adhesive or glue used in the art forsuch purposes can be used for the panty fastening adhesive herein.Pressure sensitive adhesives are most preferred. Suitable adhesivesinclude Century A-305-IV manufactured by the Century AdhesivesCorporation of Columbus, Ohio, and Instant LOK 34-2823 manufactured bythe National Starch and Chemical Company of Bridgewater, N.J., 3 Sigma3153 manufactured by 3 Sigma and Fuller H-2238ZP manufactured by the H.B. Fuller Co.

The panty fastening adhesive 90 is typically applied to the backsheet 50by slot coating. In order to reduce the effect on the breathability ofthe preferred backsheet 50 and thus of the article as a whole, theadhesive is preferably applied such that at least 60%, preferably fromat least 80%, most preferably at least 90% of the surface of thebacksheet 50 is adhesive free. The required adhesiveness can still beachieved even when using reduced surface coverage by using a particulardistribution such as thinner strips, discontinuous strips of adhesive,intermittent dots, random patterns spirals.

The panty fastening adhesive 90 is typically covered with a removablerelease paper or film 92 in order to prevent the adhesive from dryingout or adhering to another surface other than the panty prior to use.Any commercially available release paper or film may be used. Suitableexamples include BL 30MG-A SILOX EI/O and BL 30 MG-A SILOX 4 P/Oavailable from Akrosil Corporation.

According to the present invention, it has been discovered that bycontrolling in the area of the lobes 82, 84 the joining of thesuperimposed layers, comprising a multilayer backsheet 50, thatconstitute the anatomically shaped absorbent article 20 it is possibleto reduce the occurrence of the formation of permanent folds in thelobes during the use the absorbent article.

The structure of the multilayer backsheet 50, particularly the structureof the preferred dual layer breathable backsheet 50 incorporated in thepreferred pantiliner 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is in fact rathercomplex, comprising in a preferred embodiment a first layer 52constituted by a tridimensional apertured formed film joined by knownmeans, as explained above, to a second layer 54 constituted by a2-dimensional apertured microporous film. Such composite structures arethin and flexible, but can, in the area of the lobes 82, 84, give riseto permanent folds when folding in the lobes occurs during the use ofthe pantiliner, owing to the forces exerted on the pantiliner by theuser's body and by the undergarment. The tridimensional structure of thefirst layer 52 comprising the protuberances 58 can in fact crush duringfolding and this can promote the formation of permanent folds in thearea of the lobes 82, 84.

According to the present invention, the joining of the superimposedlayers that constitute the absorbent article has to be controlled in thearea of the lobes 82, 84 of the absorbent article of the presentinvention. Without being bound to any theory, it is in fact believedthat the presence of joining means, e.g. adhesive, between the layers inthe area of the lobes, does not allow layers characterized by a betterresiliency to contrast the tendency of less resilient layers to formpermanent folds. On the contrary, the joining means promotes theformation of permanent or semi permanent folds in multilayer structureswhen folding in use occurs, by reducing the resiliency of saidstructures.

According to the present invention a joining ratio can be defined; saidjoining ratio is the ratio having as the numerator the number of thesuperimposed layers in the lobes 82, 84 which are directly joined to atleast another adjacent layer, and as the denominator the total number ofthe superimposed layers in the lobes 82, 84. The values of the joiningratio can range from 0, when no joining at all is comprised between thesuperimposed layers in the lobe area 82, 84 other than along theperiphery 28, to 1, when each of the superimposed layers in the lobearea is joined to at least another adjacent layer, possibly with all thelayers joined together.

The outermost layer on either the garment facing surface or the bodyfacing surface is considered not joined if it is not joined to therespective next inner layer in the lobes. Differently layers betweenthese two outermost layers have to be not joined to both adjacent layersin order not to be counted in the numerator of the joining ratio.

It has been discovered that the occurrence of the formation of permanentfolds in the lobes is reduced when the value of the joining ratio islower than or equal to 0.5, preferably less than 0.2.

According to the present invention, it is also particularly preferredthat the layers that constitute the multilayer backsheet 50 are notjoined to each other in the area of the lobes 82, 84, other than alongthe periphery 28, where they are joined by the seam 29. Joining meansbetween the layers of a multilayer backsheet, especially of a two layerbreathable backsheet comprising a tridimensional apertured formed film,as that included in the preferred pantiliner 20 of the presentinvention, can in fact cooperate in this type of rather complexstructure in inducing the formation of permanent or semi permanent foldsduring the use in the area of the lobes 82, 84. Upon folding the joiningmeans is in fact likely to somehow stabilize the collapsed state of thecrushed structure of the tridimensional apertured formed filmconstituting the first layer 52 of the preferred breathable dual layerbacksheet 50.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, where a duallayer backsheet 50 is incorporated in a pantiliner 20, the first layer52 and the second layer 54 of the backsheet 50 are preferably not joinedtogether in the area of the lobes 82, 84. As better shown in FIG. 2, thefirst layer 52 of the dual layer backsheet 50 is joined to the secondlayer 54 by means of a layer 51 of adhesive that does not extend in thearea of the lobes 82. The first layer 52 and the second layer 54 arejoined along the periphery 28 by the seam 29, that also joins thesecondary nonwoven layer 40 and the layers 70, 80 of the topsheet 30.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 the value of the joining ratio is 0, since, as bettershown in FIG. 2, none of the nonwoven outer layer 70, the aperturedthermoplastic film layer 80, both constituting the topsheet 30, thenonwoven secondary layer 40, and the first and second layers 52, 54 ofthe dual layer breathable backsheet 50 is joined together to any otheradjacent layer in the area of the lobes 82, 84. The joining means, e.g.the heat bonds 78 and the adhesive layers 41, 81, 51, and 61 do not infact extend laterally into the area of the lobes 82 of the front endportion 10 of the pantiliner 20, as shown in FIG. 2; the same is true inthe area of the lobes 84 of the rear end potion 12. All the superimposedlayers constituting the pantiliner 20 are joined together by means ofthe seam 29, achieved e.g. by crimping, only along the periphery 28.

The control of the joining between the layers in the lobes has theeffect of increasing the lobe resiliency in the anatomically shapeddisposable absorbent articles of the present invention. The loberesiliency, as defined herein, measures the capacity of the lobes of anabsorbent article according to the present invention to recover from afolded configuration, i.e., to unfold, after they have been subjected toa complete folding, and it is evaluated according to the followingmethod.

Lobe Resiliency Method

In case the panty fastening adhesive, that is usually present on thegarment facing surface of the backsheet of most articles, extends intothe lobe area, the products to be tested have to be prepared by removingthe release paper, if present, and by deactivating the panty fasteningadhesive by applying talc powder on it.

The anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article having at least onelobe is placed on a flat surface, with the garment facing surfacecontacting the surface;

The at least one lobe is completely folded over the body facing surfaceof the topsheet along a longitudinal folding line, such that a foldedportion of maximum width can be achieved; in case the absorbent core hasparallel rectilinear longitudinal edges, the folding line can correspondto one of said longitudinal edges; a weight exerting a pressure of 60g/cm² is placed onto the folded lobe, completely covering the foldedportion, and left in position for 3 minutes;

The weight is removed after 3 minutes and the folded portion is leftfree for 30 seconds;

The angle a comprised between the folded portion and the flat surface isevaluated as the angle comprised between the folded surface and theshortest segment joining the longitudinal folding line and the outermostedge of the folded portion, wherein an angle of 0° corresponds to acomplete recovery of the original flat configuration (highest loberesiliency), and an angle of 180° corresponds to a permanent fold, withno recovery (unfolding) from the folded configuration (lowest loberesiliency).

Each result is averaged on fifteen test samples.

It has been discovered that the lobe resiliency is a good indicator topredict the behaviour in use of the lobes of an anatomically shapeddisposable absorbent article, as far as the tendency to form permanentfolds in the lobes is concerned.

Articles having a lobe resiliency of less than 20°, preferably less than10°, in combination with the desired joining ratio lower than or equalto 0.5, are particularly preferred since they show a lesser tendency toremain folded, i.e., to form permanent folds in the lobes in use.

Alternative embodiments of anatomically shaped disposable absorbentarticles with lobes are also comprised within the scope of the presentinvention, provided the joining ratio satisfy the requirements set forthabove. For example embodiments comprising only two lobes, in either thefront end portion or the rear end portion, or in which the topsheetcomprises a single continuous layer, or, alternatively, differentarrangements of the composite structure described above, such as thosedescribed in the International Patent Application WO93/09744; further,alternative embodiments are also possible in which there is no secondarynonwoven layer.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the anatomicallyshaped disposable absorbent article comprising at least one lobe mayhave two flaps (not shown), each of which is adjacent to and extendslaterally from the respective side edge of the absorbent core. The flapsare configured to drape over the edges of the wearer's panties in thecrotch region so that the flaps are disposed between the edges of thewearer's panties and the wearer's thighs. The flaps help serve toprevent soiling of the wearer's body and panties by menstrual fluid,preferably by forming a double wall barrier along the edges of thepanty. The flaps may be also provided with attachment means on theirgarment facing surface so that the flaps can be folded back under thepanty and attached to the garment facing side of the panty.

The flaps may be constructed of various materials including materialsused for the topsheet 30, backsheet 50, combinations thereof, and may bea laminate having tissue in the centre. Further, the flaps may be aseparate element attached to the main body of the tridimensionalabsorbent article or can comprise extensions of the topsheet 30 and/orbacksheet 50. It is recommended, however, that the flaps have a liquidimpervious backsheet to prevent body fluids which reach the flaps fromsoiling the edges of the wearer's panties. Even though the area of theflaps can be considered as constituting portions of the articlecomprising at least the topsheet and the backsheet and extending beyondthe absorbent core, it is generally meant that the flaps do notconstitutes lobes, in the sense intended according to the presentinvention.

Preferred flaps that are suitable or adaptable to the tridimensionalabsorbent article of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,687,478 issued to Van Tilburg on Aug. 18, 1987; U.S. Pat. No.4,589,876 issued to Van Tilburg on May 20, 1986; and U.S. Pat No.4,608,047 issued to Mattingly on Aug. 26, 1986.

Optionally, the anatomically shaped absorbent article may comprisecomponents that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer's panties. Sanitarynapkins having components that naturally wrap the sides of a wearer'spanties suitable for use with the tridimensional absorbent article ofthe present invention are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/096,121 entitled “Absorbent Article having Panty Covering Componentsthat Naturally Wrap the Sides of Panties”, filed Jul. 22, 1993, in thenames of Lavash, et al and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/277,733entitled “Absorbent Articles Having Undergarment Covering Componentswith Zones of Extensibility”, filed Jul. 20, 1994, in the names ofWeinberger, et al.

Although the anatomically shaped disposable absorbent article of thepresent invention has been described with reference to a pantiliner, itcan be used beneficially in the context of other disposable absorbentarticles such as sanitary napkins and incontinence articles. Thedisposable absorbent article may thus also have all those features andparts which are typical for products in the context of their intendeduse.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shaped disposable absorbent article having afront end portion and a rear end portion, and a periphery, said shapeddisposable absorbent article being constituted by superimposed layerscomprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet comprising at leasttwo layers, said backsheet being joined to said topsheet at least alongsaid periphery, and an absorbent core intermediate said topsheet andsaid backsheet, said shaped disposable absorbent article having at leastone lobe in at least one of said front end portion or rear end portion,said at least one lobe being provided inside said periphery by saidtopsheet and said backsheet in a region where said topsheet and saidbacksheet extend beyond said absorbent core, said shaped disposableabsorbent article having a joining ratio in said at least one lobedefined as the ratio having as the numerator the number of saidsuperimposed layers being directly joined to at least an adjacent layerin said at least one lobe other than along said periphery, and as thedenominator the total number of said superimposed layers in said atleast one lobe, said joining ratio has a value that is lower than orequal to 0.5, and said at least one lobe of said article has a loberesiliency, as defined in the lobe resiliency test, of less than 20°. 2.A shaped disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein atleast one lobe said article has a lobe resiliency of less than 10°.